Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

• 

  CRV is Outstanding in Every Way - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Maine Martin - December 9 - 7:23 pm

  Traded in a 2003 Subaru Forester XS on a 2005 Honda CRV-EX. The Honda is quieter, smoother, handles better and has TONS more room - especially in the back seat. The Subaru Forester got better mileage, but not THAT much better. I have an hour-long commute each way, so a tape player (with CD changer) was a key feature so I can listen to books- on-tape. Many similar vehicles no longer offer a cassette deck! Can happily report that the CRV is also better in Maines snow and ice than the AWD Forester! This was a surprise to me, but the Real-Time Four-Wheel Drive, Traction Control and Stability System do their jobs with an invisible efficiency - the CRV is unstoppable in the slop!

• 

  Versatile, passenger/utility vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Satisfied Customer - December 9 - 7:18 pm

  I bought this vehicle to replace a pickup truck and provide with added passenger capacity. It has exceeded all expectation. I chose the Honda for its record of reliability and its engine torque rating. Its towing capacity (3500 lbs) and interior space (capable of carrying a 4x8 sheet) easily cover my need for a pickup truck. I remove the seats, layout a custom fit carpet and carry tools and building materials inside. It makes a comfortable family van. I have pulled a camper over 10000 mi with no problems. On a trip to Mexico City (no towing) I averaged 27 MPG. On fishing trips to Canada I have carried 6 guys comfortably. Other than standard maintenance I have had no repair costs.

• 

  I love love love this little car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By girl gearhead - December 9 - 5:20 pm

  I fell in love with this car as soon as it was released! It has such a sporty look! And the price was just right! And most importantly its a Honda! I had just cooked my 1988 Accord after having driven it for 350,000 miles. The Civic has been wonderful! Just regular oil changes, tires and one new exhaust. Other than that ,nothing! Im selling it now, only because we had a baby and the two door is no longer practical. Im so sad to sell but bought a Honda Pilot to replace it. Gotta love Hondas! They go 4eva

• 

  Closing in on a quarter million - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Dwight Devil - December 9 - 1:17 pm

  When I bought the car in 07, you could have almost convinced me it was brand new. It had 220k on it at the time, and still ran like a champ. Even the cigarette lighter still works. Parts have been cheap. Replaced both CV axles for 100, one ball joint (that I screwed up by jumping a curb) for 20, both sway bar links for 10, washer pump for 15, and both washer fluid jets for 13 (from the DEALER, no less). VERY easy to work on. Some of my clutch fluid mysteriously disappears overnight about once a month, but I top it off and it stays full until some night the following month. Drove 860 (36mpg) miles and ONLY stopped one time (gas), yet wasnt even remotely sore when the trip was over.

• 

  Made a great car even better - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ancl87 - December 9 - 10:13 am

  This is our 3rd Honda Accord in the past 4 years along out of the 5 total that we have owned. It is a well built car that runs smooth and gets great gas mileage.

• 

  Best snow car I have ever owned - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy - December 9 - 7:14 am

  I live in Colorado and I have a 60 mile commute, so I need a car that can handle snow and a car that Im not afraid to put a lot of miles on. Ive had this car for 3 years and I love it. Im at 255,000 miles and I expect to get another 100,000 out of this car based on how it has treated me so far. MINOR CONS: It is noisy and my tall husband (62") cant get the seat back far enough for comfort, and the cup holders are shallow so coffee mugs have a tendency to fall out but other than those issues it is a great car. Its a nice size, wonderful visibility, and ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL IN THE SNOW, uphill or down.

• 

  AWSOME CAR - 2004 Honda S2000
  By LUKA - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car its got the speed the handleing of a true sport car

• 

  Reliable and Fun to Drive - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mad_tea_party - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after test driving it. It was the fastest, best performing car I could afford at the time. Apart from a CD player that was repaired under warranty, NOTHING has broken on this car. I am still driving on the original brake pads. I also changed the timing belt at about 90,000 miles. At 108,000 miles I am still enjoying this car and plan to buy a Honda in the future.

• 

  Think Different - 2003 Honda Element
  By BOO - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Extremely confortable, great utility, very quiet at hwy speeds(80mph),great for long trips, quiet power train, super engine and transmission, kickin radio, low maintenance. FWD needs traction control. Great buy. Have a rattle the dealer cannot seem to find.

• 

  Performance Guy turned into a Grizwald - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chask - December 9 - 2:00 am

  We chose Honda based on three main variables: 1Roominess 2Reliabil.3Value I felt Honda gave us plenty of room(if not too much)The fold down seat allows for alot of storage.The reliab. of Honda products in our house has always been great.The Value was a big key to our purchase.We did not see the incentives given by the other manufac. to be real.A $32000 Dodge with incent. of $3500 still lacked many of the feat./perfor.we got in Honda.We found pricing the packages to be confusing and misleading.We like the fact that you had basically 3 packages to choose from and that was it.